Strong opening gives Tigers momentum in Bellville win
By BARRY HALVORSON bhalvorson@journal-spectator.com

BELLVILLE - A strong first half surge allowed the Wharton Tigers to hold off Bellville 55-50 in a non-district hoops action Friday night.

The win upped the Tigers' season mark to 8-5. The team currently is tied at the top of the district 24-3A standings with Sweeny at 2-0. The Bulldogs will be looking to improve their overall mark this weekend at the Bay City Invitational, scheduled for Thursday through Saturday. The Tigers district schedule resumes on Jan. 4 against Needville with the varsity contest tipping off at 7:30 p.m.

The Tigers led 21-12 at halftime in the win. Wharton was led by Jordan Kirschke with 17 points, who drilled three treys on the night. Odis Thompson hit for 13 and K.C. Curtis reached double digits with 10, including a three of his own. Additional scoring came from Louis Byars and Jonovan Jones, four each; Keenon Jones, 5; and Kenneth

Bellville win

Phynon.

In subvarsity play, Bellville collected a win in the JV contest while the Tiger frosh took their game, scores unavailable due to technical difficulties. The subvarsity teams are off until the Needville trip with the freshmen scheduled for 5 p.m. and the JV at 6:15.

Lady Tigers take break

The Wharton Lady Tigers were getting some extra time off with no game scheduled this past Friday.

They will be back in action starting tomorrow at the Victoria St. Joseph Tournament, which runs through Saturday. Opponents and game times not available.

The Lady Tigers enter the tournament with a 5-4 season mark. In District 24-3A, the team is second in the standings at 3-1 going into their next league contest, a home game scheduled for Jan. 4 against Needville (1-3, 5-9). The freshmen tip at 5 p.m. followed by the JV at 6 p.m. with the big girls playing at 7 p.m.